Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The Bay man at the center of an investigation into two pedestrian crashes that left multiple people hurt and one dead is also facing charges in an incident that occurred in July.
District Judge David Boling found probable cause to charge 43-year-old Michael Vincent Coleman with the following offenses:
- Possession of meth or cocaine greater than 10 grams but less than 200 grams (Class B felony)
- Tampering with physical evidence (Class D felony)
- Resisting arrest (Class A misdemeanor)
- First-degree criminal mischief (Class A misdemeanor)
The hearing comes two days after Coleman appeared before Judge Chris Thyer, who found probable cause to charge Coleman with multiple offenses including first-degree homicide resulting from those crashes that occurred Aug. 13.
| READ MORE: Suspect in Back-to-Back Jonesboro Pedestrian Crashes Given $5M Bond, Faces Life in Prison
According to the probable cause affidavit, on July 27, a Jonesboro police officer who was working off-duty security was advised by management at the Walmart on East Highland Drive that they wanted Coleman criminally banned due to prior shoplifting incidents.
Upon approaching Coleman, officers noted immediately he was nervous. After asking for his information including whether he was on probation, to which he advised he was on suspended imposition of a sentence, officers began to search Coleman.
Officers felt a small bag of meth in the upper back area of Coleman’s belt. Coleman then grabbed the bag and attempted to flee. A struggled ensued and officers were able to take him to the ground. During this time, officers saw Coleman try to put the bag in his mouth as they got back on their feet.
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The struggle continued, with Coleman being pushed into a metal shelf, bending it and knocking products off into the aisle. They were able to get him back onto the ground and took him into custody. Officers also found what was suspected to be meth under the jewelry aisle where Coleman was taken to the ground. The total weight of the meth was 27.5 grams.
The affidavit stated that after taking Coleman into custody, he told officers that he had swallowed meth, resulting in him being taken to a hospital where he was admitted for an elevated heart rate. He was released several hours later.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Boling ordered Coleman that upon release, he must wear a GPS ankle monitor.
Coleman is being held on a $50,000 cash/surety bond, in addition to the $5 million cash/surety bond he was given in August case. He is scheduled to appear for both cases on Sept. 30.
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